Way back in the early 70s I was doing custom headers out of my Mom and Dad's garage in Westchester, Ca. Saturday mornings were fun with the local hot rodders coming by to see what I was working on. Every now and then Pete Hea**** would show up in his purple Bantam with a 392. Always a pleasure. I have some old color photos of it but God only knows where they are. It was a beauty.
Took my 31 bantam out for its first ride today! Spent the last 37 weeks getting it ready for turkey rod run this year!
I ended up buying that car. Paid that much for it....what was I thinking? Seriously, since then it has been patiently sitting until I finish the current car. Because it is so small, I intend on keeping it small and want to be able to fit 4 people inside and go cruising. Finding parts to fit it has been the biggest problem. None of my previous experience with cars apply in this situation.
Just saw this one advertised on FB Marketplace. Looks like a good start for somebody with ambition. Asking $1500... https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:0fc8f6e0-4b4a-4891-93ff-5888de4e4d44
Not a hot rod, but I don't think I've ever seen an Austin Bantam (this one a '38?) in stock form: Looks like someone took a four-door and shortened it, retaining the rear doors instead of the fronts.
Introduced in '62, these are SHORT https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taunus_V4_engine Originally intended for the Falcon, they eventually made it here in SAABS. Itty bit wide, no hood sides? Mike
Last year, Irwindale Raceway, one of the bigger races (I "think" it was the "Nitro Revival") there was a Bantam coupe, on a trailer, for sale. Had a license plate, and as I recall, a small Chevy for power of some sort in it. Not perfect, but overall, a nice car. Unfortunately, I never saw anyone around it, and there was no phone number on the "for sale" sign. Anyone know anything about it ? Mike
The Jalopy Journal
